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France

Randonnée Pyrénées

16th - 23rdJuli 2017

Start LocationBIARRITZ

End LocationCOLLIOURE

Av. Daily Distance145 KM

Av. Daily Elevation2,625 M

Days7

Difficulty

The perfect point-to-point cycling adventure.

The gold-standard Rapha Randonnée that takes riders through one of the world’s most famous and majestic mountain ranges, and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The route straddles the border of France and Spain, mixing cultures and cuisines with spectacular riding. Among a cast of stellar climbs, the Col du Tourmalet, together with the Aspin, Aubisque and Peyresourde, offers riders a direct road to the heart of cycling's legends.

Who is it for?

Let us challenge and inspire you, and fuel your passion for cycling. Using our vast experience of road riding and our love of the history of the sport, we have created Rapha Randonnées: point-to-point itineraries in cycling’s classic territories, and in select destinations across the world. Take on mythical climbs in the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites, or cycle the road less travelled through the beautiful landscapes of Japan, California or Corsica. Whichever you choose, you will experience the same levels of service and support. Rapha Travel team cars and experienced guides will be on hand with local knowledge, a morale-boosting chat or a full bidon every pedal-stroke of the way. And, at the end of the day, you’ll simply hand your bike over to our mechanics, who will return them in top condition the next morning. In the evenings all you have to do is enjoy your appointment with our pro-level soigneur, sample the regional wines and cuisine, and relax in our carefully chosen accommodation.

All trips include

Expert planning and guide support from guides and vehicles

Pre-trip discounts on Rapha apparel

High guide-to-client ratios

Unique routes

Top-level mechanics

Flights, bike hire and travel insurance are not included

All Randonneés include

Airport transfers (excludes Japan)

All meals including alcohol

On-road food

Daily massage

Laundry

Single occupancy as standard

How Hard is it?

Randonnées are a real challenge, often climbing the same cols used in the biggest races in the world. But because they’re fully supported, they can be enjoyed by everyone from veteran riders with years of experience to relative newcomers who have put in the training and committed themselves to achieving something special.

Arrival Day

Biarritz Quick spin

Flights into Biarritz airport or get a train to Biarritz train station where you will be met by a member of Rapha Travel.

Accommodation

Hotel Windsor

Day 1

Biarritz - Oloron-Ste-Marie

On our first day of riding, we leave Biarritz along the Route Impériale des Cimes (the Imperial Summit Route) into the undulating foothills of the French Basque country. The unique and vibrant local culture will be quite apparent in our resting place for the night, Oloron-Ste-Marie, a beautiful town with distinctly Romanesque architecture at the junction of two rivers.

Distance

127 KM

Climbing

3,100 M

Accommodation

Alysson Hotel

Major Climbs

Col des Plombières (343m), Col d’Osquich (500m)

Day 2

Oloron-Ste-Marie - Saint-Savin

Today’s ride tackles some famous Tour roads, with the steepest gradients reserved for the first climb, Marie Blanque, which takes us above 1,000m for the first time. After the long, picturesque climb to the Aubisque we arrive at the Cirque du Litor, one of the greatest roads in Europe. Our dinner tonight in Saint-Savin will be memorable.

Distance

115 KM

Climbing

2,700 M

Accommodation

Le Viscos

Major Climbs

Col de Marie Blanque (1,035m), Col d’ Aubisque (1,709m)

Day 3

Saint-Savin - Bagnères-De-Luchon

A giant and memorable day in the mountains, the three main climbs were included in the first Tour de France Pyrenean stage in 1910. First up, the mighty Tourmalet, then the green Peyresourde and the gentler, pretty Aspin. It’s where Tour legends are made.

Distance

109 KM

Climbing

3,340 M

Accommodation

Acta Hotel

Major Climbs

Day 4

Luchon - St-Girons

Tired legs and more difficult climbing on the way make day four a challenge, but heading briefly into Spain will keep things interesting, and we will pay homage at the memorial to young Fabio Casartelli, who was killed on the Portet d’Aspet in the 1995 Tour. The Chateau Beauregard, where we finish the day, is a delight.

Distance

127 KM

Climbing

3,120 M

Accommodation

Château de Beauregard

Major Climbs

Col du Portillon (1,320m), Col de Portet d’Aspet (1,069m)

Day 5

St-Girons - Gincla

A stunning parcours rolling past the famous talc quarry at Trimouns, which provides 8% of the world’s talcum powder. It’s an impressive sight, somehow ominous and sublime. The Pailhères, another Tour de France favourite, will be the second highest point of the week, behind the Tourmalet.

Distance

168 KM

Climbing

3,300 M

Accommodation

Hostellerie du Grand Duc

Major Climbs

Col de Port (1,249m), Port de Pailhères (2,001m)

Day 6

Gincla - Collioure

The final stage says adieu to the high mountains as the azure Mediterranean appears on the horizon. The fishing town of Collioure, a favourite subject for Picasso and Matisse, is the perfect place to reflect on an incredible journey.

Distance

142 KM

Climbing

2,050 M

Accommodation

Hotel Casa Pairal

Major Climbs

Col d'Aussières (1020m), Col de Palomère (1036m)

Day 7

Collioure

Customer Testimonials

It truly was an adventure and a testing one at that. Your companionship made the trip pure pleasure. To sit and eat (steak after steak after steak) and laugh with you all after what were very challenging days will make the trip live long in my memory. Our greatest thanks goes to the Rapha Travel Team. Thank you Ben, Greg, Joe and Francois. I know it's very calm on the surface but I also know that so much goes on behind the scenes. Not only on the trip but back in the office as well. I knew what to expect. But even knowing that my expectations were exceeded. Thank you so much guys.

— Randonnee Pyrenees rider, July 2016

So, you could say the odds were against me having one of the most rewarding and inspirational experiences of my life - yet that is exactly what the Randonnée proved to be.

— Rider, Randonée Corsica 2016

FAQ

What kind of assistance can riders expect on the road?

When you’re riding you’ll always have at least one ride guide on the road with the group - on Randonnées there are high guide-to-guest ratios. There will also be a mechanic with a full tool kit and spare parts not far away – usually in a support car behind the group. Your guides and mechanics will be able to help you out with ride food and drink, as well as local knowledge, first aid, a morale-boosting chat and – if necessary – a hand to push you up the hill if you’ve run out of energy. They’ll do everything they can to keep you and your bike on the road but, if for any reason you can’t make it to the end, they’ll always make sure there’s a seat in a vehicle so you get safely home.

Am I strong enough for the trip?

All our trips are physically demanding, but some are harder than others. Randonnées and Cent Cols Challenges are among the toughest, and Retreats are among the most relaxing. Our guides, soigneurs and mechanics will support every rider to go beyond their usual level of riding. Each individual trip is rated for difficulty, and each trip type page gives rough guidelines on who the trip is for, to help you decide if it’s right for you.